The Mediterranean diet has been named the healthiest diet for the eighth consecutive year in the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking for 2025. Experts evaluated 38 different diets, taking into account their impact on health, ease of use and benefits in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. 

Characteristics of the Mediterranean diet 

The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional eating habits of countries such as Italy, Greece and Turkey. It is characterized by a high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole-grain cereals, legumes, nuts and healthy fats, mainly from olive oil. Fish and seafood are the main sources of protein, while red meat and highly processed products are limited. 

Health benefits 

Studies show that following a Mediterranean diet can lead to improvements in health parameters, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and certain cancers. In addition, the diet promotes weight maintenance and improves cognitive function due to its positive effects on the gut microbiome. 

In second place in the ranking was the DASH diet, recommended primarily for the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Its principles are similar to the Mediterranean diet, with an emphasis on limiting salt intake. Third place went to the Flexitarian diet, or flexible vegetarianism, which involves reducing meat consumption in favor of plant-based products. It can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. 

Ease of use 

Experts point out that both the Mediterranean, Flexitarian and DASH diets are easy to implement and flexible, which is conducive to their long-term use. They do not require strict restrictions or complicated recipes, making them accessible to a wide range of people. 

Incorporating the principles of the Mediterranean diet into daily life can bring numerous health benefits, and its flexibility and variety make it easy to maintain in the long run. 

Sources:  businessinsider.com, nypost.com, eatingwell.com, nypost.com